Church forums look to stop child sex abuse

The Catholic Church says its decision to hold regular forums for clergy in the Hunter Valley is part of its commitment to ensure no more children are abused.

The Maitland-Newcastle Catholic diocese is holding its seventh 'Insight gathering' at Broadmeadow tonight.

Father Geoff Mulhearn says the gatherings have been prompted by the clergy sex abuse scandal in the diocese and are aimed at enabling people to share their stories.

"I think this is a very powerful sign in this diocese of attempts being made not only to listen to people who have been severely impacted by it but also to hear people about what we need to do to see it doesn't happen in the future and how can we regain trust, how can we help people who have been abused," he said.